How Nigerian scammers operate

Welcome to the world of online scam in Nigeria. It is a world of deceit and fraud where scam artists, by enticing unsuspecting victims with quick wealth, or even offering love via the internet, dispose them of their wealth. This article analyzes the methodologies of these scammers.

One of such antics could be e-mails purportedly sent by a person or persons claiming to be relatives of an influential person. They claim that the influential person had corruptly enriched himself. The law having caught up with him, he went on exile to escape conviction.

However, he buried a fortune in a secret location. The scammers would demand for the recipient’s assistance to facilitate the transfer of the fortune using the recipient’s bank account as a conduit.

For his efforts, the recipient is promised a fixed percentage of the fortune. Subsequently, they demand for the recipient’s bank details, which, if obliged, would give them access to the funds of the victim.

Another trick entails the sender of the e-mail claiming to be an accountant in a bank either in Nigeria or overseas.

He will offer to send money from the bank accounts of deceased customers of his employers, who have neither dependants nor next of kin. Thus, have no one to claim their wealth. They would demand for bank details or credit card details in order to complete the transaction.

The numerous dating sites on the internet are platforms for these scammers. Here the scammers chat up vulnerable people who are seeking partners. They apply the law of connection.

Scammers know you can’t move a person to action unless you first move him/her with emotion. They touch the heart of their chat-partners before asking for a hand. They pose to be willing lovers and pretend to be in need of financial help.

In the dating method, they download strangers’ pictures and pretend with the stolen identities. If you are male seeking female on the net, beware! These smart dudes also use female pictures and go to “work” with it. As a matter of fact, the latter scenario is preferred by them.

Another method is known as “phishing.” It entails sending unsolicited e-mails from a website which falsely claims to be an online presence of a legitimate business entity. The scammers appreciate that perception is reality. The layouts of these websites are comparable to the best on the net.

They claim to offer consultancy services in various facets of business; real estate, stock market, etc. This method strives because the internet is a virtual market place. The moment, these scammers land a “big fish,” they disappear into thin air.

Have you ever received unsolicited invitations to seminars or conferences in a foreign country? Be on the watch-out. After getting you on board the bogus conference, the scammers make demands for hotel reservations, conference fees and many more.

Other methods include Moneygram interceptions, Western Union hijacking and check laundering. As a safeguard, never reveal clues to your funds transfers. These scammers are dangerous and they operate at a speed faster than light!

Are you puzzled how they get your e-mail address? The scammers use special software called e-mail extractor to get your address from the net. After extracting your e-mail address, they proceed to send unsolicited messages to you.

Antidote
If you ever fell into the scammers’ trap, you were greedy, period! You were easily deceived by the prospect of making easy money. You fell for a get-rich-quick gimmick.

The next time you read a “too good to be true e-mail,” simply delete it. As you read this article, the scammers are busy thinking up new ways of carrying out their activities. They are acquiring the latest software with which they can be able to gain access to your confidential information.

On a final note, be cautious when dealing with strangers on the net. A word is enough for the wise.